finding my cooking mojo in chicago

My weekend search for my cooking mojo took me all the way to Chicago. We also missed the biggest snow storm Minneapolis has seen in a long time. I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad about that – I think being snowed in sounds kind of fun!

I’m happy to report that my mojo is on its way back – our trip started with an amazing afternoon meal at Surdyk’s Flights. I always (repeat, always) go to French Meadow Cafe, but I just had to try it out. It was everything I dreamed it would be. A flight of Spanish wine, some marinated chevre and a frisee salad with crispy pancetta and a poached egg later, I was ready for the weekend and I was ready to start thinking about food again. Just as the Surdyk’s Cheese Shop has those interesting little gems that I just have to get, the airport location has the same. Charcoal crackers and aged goat cheese to go? Oh yes.

Friday we spent as tourists – on the list for the weekend was the ChristKindlMarket to celebrate heritage (complete with potato latkes and hot mulled wine), a walk through Millennium Park, and a delicious pork belly reuben and my first Scotch Egg at The Gage.

Saturday morning started with a hot fusion yoga class – delightful and sweaty. Just how I like it. Then we started hearing about the 15 inches of snow that Minneapolis was getting and the thought of a cancelled flight crossed our minds, but not for long. We had shopping to get to and a show to see! Bright and early Sunday morning I received an email, and our 2 day trip to Chicago turned into a 3 day one. So a leisurely brunch (amazing), bloody mary and packer game ended the weekend on a relaxing note.

It was the perfect weekend, and really what I needed: relaxation and sleep, good food, tall buildings and a touch of yoga – all surrounded by new family!

I’m ready to get back in the kitchen – and I’ve got a lot of recipes waiting for me.

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Hi, I’m Emily

I spend my days working to ensure that low-income families have enough nutritious food and my nights doing the same, but for my family. I love playing in the kitchen, creating simple, fresh and nutritious meals. My husband and I live in LA (via Wisconsin) and are new-ish parents to one-year-old baby girl, Demi! Read More…